Kurgalsky Peninsula, Protected nature reserve in Leningrad Oblast, Russia.
Kurgalsky Peninsula juts into the Gulf of Finland, creating two separate bays: Narva Bay to the west and Luga Bay to the east. The landmass consists of wetlands, mixed forests, and coastal meadows that form a continuous ecosystem across the terrain.
The area received official protection status as a Ramsar Wetland site in 1994 through international conservation agreements. This designation reflected the ecological importance of the landscape and its diverse habitats for plant and animal life.
Several Izhorian villages on the peninsula maintain traditional fishing practices that remain central to local life and identity. These communities continue to use the coastal environment in ways deeply connected to their heritage and seasonal patterns.
The area is best explored on foot, bringing binoculars to observe wildlife across different zones. Spring and autumn visits are most rewarding when migratory bird activity peaks throughout the wetland system.
The area serves as a critical stopover for thousands of migratory bird species traveling between northern and southern Europe. These seasonal passages make it one of the most important birding destinations in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
